Fenton Intermediate School principal, Trevor Alward, is excited about starting new position

FENTON -- Trevor Alward is the new principal at Fenton Intermediate School, where about 500 fifth- and sixth-graders are taught.

Alward comes from the Atherton School District, where he was principal of the middle school and grades fourth through eighth. Superintendent Peggy Yates said six candidates were interviewed.

"What stood out about him was his experience matched what we were looking for," Yates said.

Submitted photoTrevor Alward is the new principal at Fenton Intermediate School. Here, he relaxes with his wife, Shannon, and sons, Collin and Luke

"He is data-driven; he uses data to make decisions. That is something we are supporting in our district."

She said reference checks showed Alward communicates effectively with staff and parents and develops strong relationships with students.

"He's a very effective leader," Yates said.

Alward lives in Atlas Township with wife Shannon and sons Collin and Luke.

"I'm excited about it," Trevor Alward, 32, said of his new position.

"Fifth and sixth grade has always been the age group I feel most comfortable with.

"I look forward to meeting the students and the families, and I make it a priority to know people's names. That's important," Alward said. He will finish his education specialist post-master's degree in about 10 months. He said he knew early on the path he would take.

"When I was in high school, I did some teacher cadet programs and decided I wanted to go into special education and never looked back," he said.

He taught high school special education and physical education in Waterford and in Goodrich, his alma mater.

"Education is a big thing in our family," he said.

His mother, Darlene, is a retired nurse, but educators proliferate. Shannon teaches second grade at Myers Elementary in Grand Blanc. His late grandfather, Lavern "Vern" Alward, was superintendent in the Mayville district when he retired. Shannon's dad, Jeff Love, is president of Baker College-Auburn Hills, and her mother, Mary Love, is secretary to the principal at East Middle School in Grand Blanc.

"I could go on and on," he said, before adding, "My father, Tom Alward, is the football coach at Goodrich High School."

His dad was All American at the University of Nebraska and played for the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"It's funny -- my grandpa was drafted by the (Detroit) Tigers," he said. "He was with them for a month or two and got his papers to go World War II. He was an amazing man," he said.

Vern passed away a few months ago, and in February Tom had a heart attack.

"He's doing OK," Trevor said. He said those events put things in clearer perspective regarding other potential career opportunities that would've meant more time away from home.

"It's important to maintain that balance; faith, family, education and football," he said.

Former FIS Principal Pete Vance is now principal at Schmidt Middle School.